Elaine Brown in Civil Rights Movement: "Black Power" Era

Elaine Brown (1943- ) is a writer, singer, and political activist who served as Chairperson of the Black Panther Party from 1974 to 1977.

In 1974, Elaine Brown became the second-ranking member of the Central Committee, the core leadership of the Black Panther Party, second only to the Party's founder, Huey Newton. "I have control over all the guns and all the money of this party," she announced upon accepting the position. "There will be no external or internal opposition I will not resist and put down... So if you don't like the fact that I am a woman, if you don't like what we're going to do, here is your chance to leave. You'd better leave because you won't be tolerated!"